Area schools learn how Eastern’s $17 million GEAR UP grant will benefit students and teachers

11/30/2017

WILBURTON, OK (Nov. 30, 2017) – More than 125 area public school teachers, counselors, and administrators met at Eastern Oklahoma State College to learn how the college’s $17 million GEAR UP grant will help them prepare students for postsecondary education.

The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federal initiative to increase the number of low-income students who enter and successfully transition into postsecondary education. Eastern will receive $17,091, 200 over the next seven years to help serve students in 39 partner schools.

Eastern’s President Dr. Stephen Smith welcomed the participants and stressed the value the GEAR UP program.

“This is Eastern’s third GEAR UP grant,” Smith said. “We have seen the benefits this program adds to a student’s public school experience. The GEAR UP team provides guidance to students, including one-on-one counseling, to help them find their career and postsecondary education path.”

GEAR UP Project Director Linda Morgan outlined the objectives of the grant which are: 1) Increase GEAR UP student performance/preparation for postsecondary education; 2) Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education for GEAR UP students; and 3) Increase students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing.

Morgan said the grant program will provide students and their families with a wide range of support services needed to prepare for college. Some of the services and activities include tutoring, mentoring, counseling, career advisement, college preparatory courses, summer camps, educational and cultural field trips, college visits and information about college and financial aid options. Teachers and school administrators can also participate in professional development opportunities and technology training. All activities and workshops will be provided to GEAR UP partner schools at no cost.

“Every sixth and seventh grade student at our partner schools is eligible to participate in GEAR UP—Ignite Belief. The program is inclusive and completely free for parents and the schools,” Morgan said. “This grant provides a lot of opportunities for students and teachers. We hope to foster long-term change by creating a positive and pervasive culture for learning in our under-resourced schools.”